As a military family, we’re originally from “everywhere.” Over the years, we’ve lived in Virginia/Washington, D.C. (twice), Ohio, Oklahoma (three times), Utah (three times), Alabama, and Germany.
We have two adult children, Megan and Ben, who is married to Madison. We have not yet been blessed with grandchildren, so for now we practice our grandparenting skills with our 15-month-old Yorkie, Zorrie.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from UCLA, a master’s degree in Management from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University.
Cindy and I met at work while I was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah in 1986. We started dating the following year and were married in 1988. This October, we will celebrate 38 years of marriage.
My career included service as an Air Force officer and later work as a civil servant and defense contractor in aircraft maintenance, logistics, and supply chain management. Cindy served as an Air Force civilian employee for 19 years before leaving government service when our daughter was born to focus on raising our family.
I served in the U.S. Air Force for 24½ years. My experience included unit-level aircraft maintenance supervision on KC-135, A-10, F-4G, and F-16 aircraft, along with several depot-level maintenance and supply chain leadership assignments at Air Logistics Centers in Oklahoma and Utah. Military service took our family to Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Great Britain, Germany (twice), Utah (three times), Alabama, Washington, D.C. (twice), Ohio, and Oklahoma (three times).
As a veteran, the 250th anniversary of the United States provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history and the freedoms we enjoy. It is a time to appreciate the sacrifices made by generations of Americans who served to preserve those freedoms, often at great personal cost. Their service and sacrifice should never be forgotten.
When our children were young, we often celebrated the Fourth of July by attending local fireworks displays wherever we happened to be stationed. Today, our tradition is a little quieter and includes grilling burgers at home and watching “A Capitol Fourth” on television.
Looking back on my military service, I believe most of us served because we wanted to contribute, not because we expected recognition. That is why it is especially meaningful when neighbors take the time to recognize and appreciate the service and sacrifices of veterans who live in Iron Horse Ranch.
Iron Horse Ranch has been a wonderful place to call home. Cindy and I enjoy walking around the ponds, appreciating the mature trees that were preserved throughout the community, watching the abundant wildlife, and spending time with our friendly neighbors—especially our friends in the Empty Nesters group.
